Rhetoric and the State

This is a great opportunity to talk about political rhetoric with your family. First, refresh your memory with this overview of classical rhetoric from the CiRCE Institute. Be on the lookout for these key elements, and analyze how effectively they were used:

Finally, to practice thinking about the importance of words, visit SpeechWars.com and look at the number of times and instances in which Presidents over the years have used loaded words like "government," "debt," "investment," "constitution," "defense," and "honesty."

However you approach it, take advantage of this chance to share as a family some honest and open conversation about, first, what it means to participate in representative government; and second, what it means to use your words with wisdom and purpose.

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Leigh Bortins is a nationally acclaimed educator, perhaps best known for her ability to demystify the fundamental tools of learning. As a teacher, author and commentator, Leigh is credited with helping to launch the “home-centered learning” education movement.

Leigh is the founder and CEO of Classical Conversations Inc., an organization that models the home-centered learning approach to empower learners of all ages. She trains facilitators dedicated to duplicating her methods, and is thereby transforming education and improving the quality of family and community life.

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